Pair of flexible bale handle components for a carrying case with each of the components being collapsable onto the case in a unobtrusive decorative array

ABSTRACT

A composite handle for a carrying case and for being collapsably self-pivoting downward to an unobtrusive and decorative position on the carrying case after being released. The carrying case has a top and is carried by a user. The composite handle includes a pair of handle components. Each handle component connects to an opposite side of the carrying case. The pair of handle components are movable between an inactive mode where the pair of handle components lay substantially flat on the top of the carrying case and an active mode where the pair of handle components are proximate, but not connected to each other to form the composite handle gripped by the user. The pair of handle components are arranged to be movable relative to each so as to allow each handle component, when released by the user, to return to the inactive mode thereof by itself, with one handle component overlapping the other handle component unobtrusively and decoratively.

1. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A. Field of the Invention

The embodiments of the present invention relate to a composite handle for a carrying case, and more particularly, the embodiments of the present invention relate to a composite handle for a carrying case and for being collapsably downward to an unobtrusive and decorative position on the carrying case after being released.

B. Description of the Prior Art

Many handles on carrying cases are formed of pivotable handle portions that stay in an upstanding position when the carrying case is set down in an upright position on a support surface, rather than collapsably pivoting downwardly toward the carrying case on their own accord. Thus, after each time the handle is released, the handle portions must be manually pivoted to the downward position. This action can prove very annoying and time consuming for the user. And, for those handles that do in fact pivot to a downward position after being released, the handles can become obtrusive and unsightly.

For example, numerous innovations for carrying cases and related devices have been provided in the prior art, which will be described below in chronological order to show advancement in the art, and which are incorporated herein by reference thereto. Even though these innovations may be suitable for the specific individual purposes to which they address, they each differ in structure and/or operation and/or purpose from the embodiments of the present invention in that they do not teach a composite handle for a carrying case and for being self-pivoting downward to an unobtrusive and decorative position on the carrying case after being released.

(1) U.S. Pat. No. 2,771,167 to Lifton.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,771,167 issued to Lifton on Nov. 20, 1956 in class 190 and subclass 57 teaches internally locked hollow handles for brief cases or luggage. Complementary locking apparatus extend from companion rims of spaced ring section thereof that are utilized to hold the ring sections in juxtaposition and closed.

(2) U.S. Pat. No. 2,800,940 to Riesebeck.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,800,940 issued to Riesebeck on Jul. 30, 1957 in class 150 and subclass 12 teaches a device for carrying receptacles, including a pair of substantially bar-like handle members having fasteners disposed at ends thereof. A groove in one handle member is located intermediate of the fasteners. A corresponding ridge is on the other hand member to fit within the groove to effect interlocking engagement between the handle members.

(3) U.S. Pat. No. 3,784,084 to Pearl.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,784,084 issued to Pearl on Jan. 8, 1974 in class 229 and subclass 54 R teaches a bag having a pair of bail handles for use in bag vending machines. The bail handles are each connected to a different panel of the bag, with the bag being folded into a planar configuration. The panels having bail handles connected thereto are disposed in opposed relation with one of the handles having a projection extending from the handle in the plane of the bag, and the other of the handles has an opening therein for receiving the projection so that the handles are secured together by insertion of the projection in the opening to prevent the handles from being separated in the bag vending machine.

(4) U.S. Pat. No. 3,938,569 to Hill.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,938,569 issued to Hill on Feb. 17, 1976 in class 150 and subclass 33 teaches a handbag having particular utility for carrying personal objects therein, as well as serving as a cushion. The handbag is constructed with padding on the outside of the article-carrying compartment. The padding serves to protect the articles therein when the handbag is used as a cushion.

(5) U.S. Pat. No. 4,228,666 to Perez-Alonso.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,228,666 issued to Perez-Alonso on Oct. 21, 1980 in class 70 and subclass 67 teaches safety closures for cases, bags, valises, and the like, of the kind incorporating a male latch pin, which is inserted into a female receptacle under pressure, and which can be retained in the closed position by the action of a ratchet mechanism incorporated into a joined handle by way of a hinge mechanism of the lid portion of a container, such as a suitcase.

(6) U.S. Pat. No. Des. 276,953 to Weinreb.

U.S. Pat. No. Des. 276,953 issued to Weinreb on Jan. 1, 1985 in class D3 and subclass 33 teaches an ornamental design for a camera bag.

(7) U.S. Pat. No. Des. 282,506 to Bomes et al.

U.S. Pat. No. Des. 282,506 issued to Bomes et al. on Feb. 11, 1986 in class D3 and subclass 48 teaches an ornamental design for a shoulder tote.

(8) U.S. Pat. No. 4,592,091 to Italici.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,592,091 issued to Italici on May 27, 1986 in class 383 and subclass 15 teaches a composite handle for containers to be hand-carried by a person, including a pair of handles, each fastened to a side of the container, and each including two straps of flexible strong material. The two straps of each handle are fastened together at an intermediate section that is the section to be gripped by the user. The intermediate section of one handle is removably secured to the corresponding intermediate section of the other handle in superposed relation so as to obtain at the mutually engaged intermediate portions of each handle, a single composite gripping section having sufficient thickness and rigidity to allow easy gripping by the user.

(9) U.S. Pat. No. Des. 293,506 to Kappel et al.

U.S. Pat. No. Des. 293,506 issued to Kappel et al. on Jan. 5, 1988 in class D3 and subclass 33 teaches an ornamental design for a carrying case for a video cassette recorder.

(10) U.S. Pat. No. Des. 330,281 to Siris.

U.S. Pat. No. Des. 330,281 issued to Siris on Oct. 20, 1992 in class D3 subclass 48 teaches an ornamental design for a handbag.

(11) U.S. Pat. No. Des. 368,581 to Cincotta.

U.S. Pat. No. Des. 368,581 issued to Cincotta on Apr. 9, 1996 in class D3 and subclass 218 teaches the ornamental design of a carrying case for portable electronic equipment.

(12) U.S. Pat. No. Des. 380,612 to Kelley et al.

U.S. Pat. No. Des. 380,612 issued to Kelley et al. on Jul. 8, 1997 in class D3 and subclass 289 teaches an ornamental design for a computer carrying case.

(13) U.S. Pat. No. Des. 429,885 to Hillman.

U.S. Pat. No. Des. 429,885 issued to Hillman on Aug. 29, 2000 in class D3 and subclass 283 teaches an ornamental design for a case for holding a compact disc player and accessories with a carrying strap.

(14) U.S. Pat. No. Des. 432,305 to Hillman.

U.S. Pat. No. Des. 432,305 issued to Hillman on Oct. 24, 2000 in class D3 and subclass 283 teaches an ornamental design for a carrying case for a compact disc player and accessory items.

(15) U.S. Pat. No. 6,183,133 to Roegner.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,183,133 issued to Roegner on Feb. 6, 2001 in class 383 and subclass 39 teaches a multi-pocket carrying case, including a primary shell of pliable material formed of a pair of substantially identical half shells connected together for hinging along a common side and forming a primary receptacle. Each half shell is formed of a rectangular back panel with a bottom panel. A top panel and two end panels are secured along the periphery of the back panel forming a primary receptacle. A multi-pocket panel assembly is secured to the back panel and includes a zig-zag or pleated folded panel forming overlapping front and back folds. The back folds are secured to the back panel forming a plurality of pockets having spaces there-between. A closure panel is secured along an edge to the back panel to thereby overlap and close the plurality of pockets. Another embodiment of the carrying case includes an expandable and adjustable case for carrying many differing types of items in an organized fashion, and particularly suited for carrying a few clothing items. This embodiment includes, in kit form, multiple accessory storage devices in various multiple pocket assembly designs and a portable case with adjustable partitionable members.

(16) U.S. Pat. No. 6,338,180 to Massard.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,338,180 issued to Massard on Jan. 15, 2002 in class 16 and subclass 114.1 teaches an assemblable handle, including two elements made of synthetic material. Each element is connected to a strap forming a loop. A male element has the general shape of an inverted “T” in cross section and includes a sole and a lengthwise rib. A female element has the general shape of an inverted “U” in cross section, with an inside cavity capable of fitting elastically onto the lengthwise rib of the male element.

(17) United States Patent Application Publication No. 2002/0096409 to Roegner.

United States Patent Application Publication No. 2002/0096409 published to Roegner on Jul. 25, 2002 in class 190 and subclass 109 teaches a portable multi-pocket organizer for a carrying case of the type having a primary shell of pliable material formed of a pair of substantially identical primary half shells connected together for hinging along a common side and forming a primary receptacle. A multi-pocket assembly device of pliable material removably stores within the carrying case. The multi-pocket assembly device includes a rectangular pocket back panel having a front face and a back face, and at least two open mesh pockets on the front face of the pocket back panel. The open mesh pockets have openings oriented in a common direction. A removable auxiliary case is in each open mesh pocket. Each case is formed of a primary shell of pliable material. The primary shell is formed of a pair of opposed half shells connected together for hinging along a common side and forming a receptacle. Each of the primary shells has an outer fastener so that the outer fastener provides a way for opening and securing each auxiliary case.

(18) U.S. Pat. No. 6,499,187 to Hollingsworth.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,499,187 issued to Hollingsworth on Dec. 31, 2002 in class 16 and subclass 114.1 teaches a carrying case for electronic equipment, such as a portable computer, including back, front, top, bottom, and side walls defining an interior including a compartment for receiving electronic equipment defined between a wall surface and a floating panel of the carrying case. The floating panel is selectively movable linearly toward and away from the wall surface to adjust the size of the compartment in accordance with the size of the electronic equipment received therein. A securing mechanism within the interior resiliently biases the floating panel toward the wall surface and provides a shock or impact absorbing effect for the electronic equipment. The carrying case has a handle including first and second handle portions rotatable between an engaged position wherein the handle portions are in abutment and a disengaged position where the handle portions are separated from one another. The first and second handle portions are configured to automatically matingly engage one another when rotated into abutment.

(19) U.S. Pat. No. Des. 472,378 to Hassett.

U.S. Pat. No. Des. 472,378 issued to Hassett on Apr. 1, 2003 in class D3 and subclass 267 teaches an ornamental design for a case for holding a camcorder.

(20) U.S. Pat. No. Des. 498,924 to Karl.

U.S. Pat. No. Des. 498,924 issued to Karl on Nov. 30, 2004 in class D3 and subclass 287 teaches an ornamental design for a carrying case for a laptop computer.

It is apparent that numerous innovations for carrying cases and related devices have been provided in the prior art that are adapted to be used. Furthermore, even though these innovations may be suitable for the specific individual purposes to which they address, they would not be suitable for the purposes of the embodiments of the present invention as heretofore described, namely, a composite handle for a carrying case and for being self-pivoting downward to an unobtrusive and decorative position on the carrying case after being released.

2. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Thus, an object of the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a composite handle for a carrying case and for being collapsably self-pivoting downward to an unobtrusive and decorative position on the carrying case after being released that avoids the disadvantages of the prior art.

Briefly stated, another object of the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a composite handle for a carrying case and for being collapsably self-pivoting downward to an unobtrusive and decorative position on the carrying case after being released. The carrying case has a top and is carried by a user. The composite handle includes a pair of handle components. Each handle component connects to an opposite side of the carrying case. The pair of handle components are movable between an inactive mode wherein the pair of handle components lay substantially flat on the top of the carrying case and an active mode where the pair of handle components are proximate, and not connected to, each other to form the composite handle gripped by the user. The pair of handle components are arranged to be movable relative to each so as to allow each handle component, when released by the user, to return to the inactive mode thereof by itself, with one handle component overlapping the other handle component unobtrusively and decoratively.

The novel features which are considered characteristic of the embodiments of the present invention are set forth in the appended claims. The embodiments of the present invention themselves, however, both as to their construction and their method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of the specific embodiments of the present invention when read and understood in connection with the accompanying drawing.

3. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The figures of the drawing are briefly described as follows:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the composite handle of the embodiments of the present invention on a carrying case and being self-pivoting downward to an unobtrusive and decorative position on the carrying case after being released;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged diagrammatic end view taken generally in the direction of ARROW 2 in FIG. 1 of the composite handle of the embodiments of the present invention in an active mode; and

FIG. 3 is an enlarged diagrammatic end view taken generally in the direction of ARROW 3 in FIG. 1 of the composite handle of the embodiments of the present invention in an inactive mode;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged diagrammatic side elevational view of a typical handle component of the composite handle of the embodiments of the present invention identified by ARROW 4 in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic cross sectional view taken along LINE 5-5 in FIG. 4.

4. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS UTILIZED IN THE DRAWING A. General.

-   10 composite handle of embodiments of present invention for carrying     case 12 and for being self-pivoting downward to unobtrusive and     decorative position on carrying case 12 after being released -   12 carrying case -   14 top of carrying case 12 -   16 user -   18 pair of handle components for connecting to opposite sides 19 of     carrying case 12 -   19 opposite sides of carrying case 12

B. Pair of Handle Components 18.

-   20 generally flat portion of each handle component of pair of handle     components 18 -   22 generally bulbous portion of each handle component of pair of     handle components 18 -   24 outer surface of generally flat portion 20 of each handle     component of pair of handle components 18 -   26 intermediate area of outer surface 24 of generally flat portion     20 of each handle component of pair of handle components 18 -   28 inner edge of generally flat portion 20 of each handle component     of pair of handle components 18 -   30 pair of ends of generally bulbous portion 22 of each handle     component of pair of handle components 18

5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT A. General

Referring now to the figures, in which like numerals indicate like parts, and particularly to FIGS. 1 to 3, which are, respectively, a diagrammatic perspective view of the composite handle of the embodiments of the present invention on a carrying case and being self-pivoting downward to an unobtrusive and decorative position on the carrying case after being released, an enlarged diagrammatic end view taken generally in the direction of ARROW 2 in FIG. 1 of the composite handle of the embodiments of the present invention in an active mode orientation, and an enlarged diagrammatic end view taken generally in the direction of ARROW 3 in FIG. 1 of the composite handle of the embodiments of the present invention in an inactive mode, the composite handle of the embodiments of the present invention is shown generally at 10 for a carrying case 12 and for being self-pivoting downward to an unobtrusive and decorative position on the carrying case 12 after being released. The carrying case 12 has a top 14 and is for carrying by a user 16.

The composite handle 10 comprises a pair of handle components 18. Each handle component 18 is for connecting to an opposite side 19 of the carrying case 12. The pair of handle components 18 are movable between an inactive mode where the pair of handle components 18 are for laying substantially flat on the top 14 of the carrying case 12 and an active mode where the pair of handle components 18 are proximate each other to form the composite handle 10 for gripping by the user 16. The pair of handle components 18 are arranged to be movable relative to each so as to allow each handle component 18, when released by the user 16, to return to the inactive mode thereof by itself, with one handle component 18 overlapping the other handle component 18 unobtrusively and decoratively.

B. The Pair of Handle Components 18

The configuration of each handle component 18 can best be seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, which are, respectively, an enlarged diagrammatic side elevational view of a typical handle component of the composite handle of the embodiments of the present invention identified by ARROW 4 in FIG. 1, and a diagrammatic cross sectional view taken along LINE 5-5 in FIG. 4, and as such, will be discussed with reference thereto.

Each handle component 18 is flexible for pivotally attaching to the opposite side 19 of the carrying case 12, and move between the inactive mode thereof and the active mode thereof, and is generally arcuate-shaped so as to jointly describe in plan view either a substantially elliptical or substantially circular decorative configuration when in the inactive mode thereof.

Each handle component 18 has a generally flat portion 20 and a generally bulbous portion 22. The generally flat portion 20 of each handle component 18 is flexible so as to be pivotally attached to the opposite side 19 of the carrying case 12, and move between the inactive mode thereof and the active mode thereof, and is generally arcuate-shaped so as to jointly describe in plan view either a substantially elliptical or substantially circular decorative configuration when in the inactive mode thereof.

The generally flat portion 20 of each handle component 18 has an outer surface 24 with an intermediate area 26, and an inner edge 28. The generally bulbous portion 22 of each handle component 18, and as shown in FIG. 2, is disposed on the intermediate area 26 of the outer surface 24 of an associated handle component 18 so as to oppose each other when the pair of handle components 18 are in the active mode thereof for gripping by the user 16, and terminates in a pair of ends 30.

The generally bulbous portion 22 of each handle component 18 is hollow for providing comfort by conforming to a hand of the user 16 when gripped by the user 16.

The pair of ends 30 of the generally bulbous portion 22 of each handle component 18 taper to the inner edge 28 of the generally flat portion 20 of an associated handle component 18 so as to allow the pair of ends 30 of the generally bulbous portion 22 of one handle component 18 to supplement¹ the pair of ends 30 of the generally bulbous portion 22 of the other handle component 18 and allow the pair of handle components 18 to lay substantially flat on the top 14 of the carrying case 12 when the pair of handle components 18 are in the inactive mode thereof and be unobtrusive and decorative. ¹ “The quantity by which an angle or an arc falls short of 180°” Random House Dictionary.

The pair of handle components 18, when in the active mode thereof, meet along a plane that is oriented vertically.

C. CONCLUSIONS

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together, may also find a useful application in other types of constructions differing from the types described above.

While the embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described as embodied in a composite handle for a carrying case and for being self-pivoting downward to an unobtrusive and decorative position on the carrying case after being released, however, they are not limited to the details shown, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions, and changes in the forms and details of the embodiments of the present invention illustrated and their operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the embodiments of the present invention.

Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the embodiments of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt them for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of the embodiments of the present invention. 

1. A composite bale handle for a container to be hand carried by a person, the handle comprising: a pair of handle components each connected to an opposite side of the container from the other; each of the components moveably between an operative position wherein the components are in unconnectedly proximate relationship to the other component and they are grippable jointly by a hand of the person, and an inactive position wherein the components lay on the container forming a decorative array, the components organized to be sufficiently flexible so that on release from the person's hand the components collapse from their operative positions to their inactive positions.
 2. The composite bale handle as claimed in claim 1 wherein each of the components has a generally arcuate profile so that in their inactive positions they jointly describe the array in plan view as a substantially elliptical configuration.
 3. The composite bale handle as claimed in claim 2 with the configuration being substantially circular.
 4. The composite bale handle as claimed in claim 1 with the components in their operative positions meeting along a plane.
 5. The composite bale handle as claimed in claim 4 wherein the plane is oriented vertically.
 6. A composite handle for a carrying case and organized for being collapsably self-pivoting downward to an unobtrusive and decorative position on the carrying case after being released, wherein the carrying case has a top and is for being carried by a user, and wherein said handle comprises a pair of handle components; wherein each handle component is for connecting to an opposite side of the carrying case; wherein said pair of handle components are movable between an inactive mode where said pair of handle components are laying substantially flat on the top of the carrying case and an active mode where said pair of handle components are proximate each other to form said composite handle for gripping by the user; and wherein said pair of handle components are arranged to be collapsably movable relative to each other so as to allow each handle component, when released by the user, to return to said inactive mode thereof by itself, with one handle component overlapping the other handle component unobtrusively and decoratively.
 7. The composite handle of claim 6, wherein each handle component is flexible for pivotally attaching to the opposite side of the carrying case and move between said inactive mode thereof and said active mode thereof.
 8. The composite handle of claim 6, wherein each handle component is generally arcuate-shaped so as to jointly describe in plan view either a substantially elliptical or substantially circular decorative configuration when in said inactive mode thereof.
 9. The composite handle of claim 6, wherein each handle component has a generally flat portion; and wherein each handle component has a generally bulbous portion.
 10. The composite handle of claim 9, wherein said generally flat portion of each handle component is flexible for pivotally attaching to the opposite side of the carrying case and move between said inactive mode thereof and said active mode thereof.
 11. The composite handle of claim 9, wherein said generally flat portion of each handle component is generally arcuate-shaped so as to jointly describe in plan view either a substantially elliptical or substantially circular decorative configuration when in said inactive mode thereof.
 12. The composite handle of claim 9, wherein said generally flat portion of each handle component has an outer surface; wherein said outer surface of said generally flat portion of each handle component has an intermediate area; and wherein said generally bulbous portion of each handle component is disposed on said intermediate area of said outer surface of an associated handle component so as to oppose each other when said pair of handle components are in said active mode thereof for gripping by the user.
 13. The composite handle of claim 9, wherein said generally bulbous portion of each handle component is hollow for providing comfort by conforming to a hand of the user when gripped by the user.
 14. The composite handle of claim 9, wherein said generally bulbous portion of each handle component terminates in a pair of ends; wherein said generally flat portion of each handle component has an inner edge; wherein said pair of ends of said generally bulbous portion of each handle component taper to said inner edge of said generally flat portion of an associated handle component so as to allow said pair of ends of said generally bulbous portion of one handle component to supplement said pair of ends of said generally bulbous portion of the other handle component and allow said pair of handle components to lay substantially flat on the top of the carrying case when said pair of handle components are in said inactive mode thereof and be unobtrusive and decorative.
 15. The composite handle of claim 6, wherein said pair of handle components, when in said active mode thereof, meet along a plane that is oriented vertically. 